UoG signs K108m contract for new dorms

 By TROY TAULE

UPNG journalism student

THE PNG government yesterday co-signed a contract worth about K108 million engaging Guangdong Foreign Construction Ltd to construct more dormitories at the University of Goroka.

The signing took place at Government House and was witnessed by Public Services Minister Moses Maladina, Chinese Ambassador to PNG Qui Bohua as well as other stakeholders including representatives from National Planning and Treasury.

Signatories to the contract were acting Governor-General Jeffery Nape, UoG Vice-Chancellor Gairo Unagi, Guangdong vice-general manager Zhao Guanghua and project branch manager Lu Xiaoshe.   

The project will see the construction of three seven-storey buildings that will house around 3,000 students. Work is expected to commence as early as April.

The project was made possible through the agreement with the PNG and Chinese governments which will see the Export-Import Bank of China loan a K108 million (294 million yen) to the PNG government for the project, which the PNG government will pay back over time.

UoG chancellor Benais Sabumei thanked the government saying their consent to the project showed their commitment to improving education in the country and encouraged other universities to engage in similar projects.

The signing yesterday marked the first for this year and also the first by any university to sign at Government House.